On whatever side of the political divide one may sit or if even on the fence, one has to admit that the news and pending certainty about the details of the sale of the Royal Oasis is good news. It is yet another achievement time and chance have allowed this Free National Movement administration to take credit for. And yet another reminder to former Prime Minister Perry Christie who worked and worked, stroke recovery and all, to secure the long term economic success of Grand Bahama, that no matter one’s efforts, there is nothing “sure” when it comes to Bahamian politics. I can share with you that Grand Bahama’s future grew near and dear to the heart of the former Prime Minister, who had walked its streets after every ravaging storm, and in each step dreamt a more spectacular quality of life for the people of this Island. The Ginn development in West End, a revitalized Freeport City with a renovated Royal Oasis, and an upscale development near Barbary Beach, was in his mind to become the perfect complement to the shipping and industrial potential of Grand Bahama.
But true progress it is said, is a slow process and Bahamians it seems, these days, lack patience. Five out of six constituencies rejected the Progressive Liberal Party in the May 2, 2007 General Elections. While core FNM supporters remained FNM, and the swing vote went to the highest bidder, many voters had just become apathetic and disillusioned. The people of Grand Bahama, some of whom had seen waves from the sea rise over some twenty feet, could no longer be inspired by promises, they needed action and if not action, at least a workable plan.
Regrettably, the FNM’s Public Relations machinery and big money over shadowed Christie’s dreams, at least for the moment. And, with this the much needed balance of social harmony through restorative programs with economic advancement through spin-off opportunities has been placed on hold for the benefit of the likes of the Hon. Brent Symonette and his kind, who are speedily taking advantage of the big business already being generated through Christie’s “anchor project” scheme. True to form, the Bay Street Boys or the former UBP’s evolved with time and continue to secure their wealth through entrepreneurial endeavors such as real estate, shipping, trade, construction, and banking, to name a few. The DPM himself is said to have interest in companies including, Bahamas Hot Mix, Bahamas Fast Ferries and Commonwealth Bank – three on a long list.
This is no less than what the Progressive Liberal Party intended for more Bahamians – that even if we have not reached that stage where we own large scale developments and hotels, certainly more of us could enjoy the entrepreneurial benefits like the Bay Street Boys. More of us were to go from merely having jobs, being employees, to owning our own businesses and becoming employers. While it is indeed wonderful news about the Royal Oasis, the time has come for us to want more and to develop the patience and patriotism needed to bring these kinds of dreams into fruition. Because, true progress is indeed, a slow process.
But true progress it is said, is a slow process and Bahamians it seems, these days, lack patience. Five out of six constituencies rejected the Progressive Liberal Party in the May 2, 2007 General Elections. While core FNM supporters remained FNM, and the swing vote went to the highest bidder, many voters had just become apathetic and disillusioned. The people of Grand Bahama, some of whom had seen waves from the sea rise over some twenty feet, could no longer be inspired by promises, they needed action and if not action, at least a workable plan.
Regrettably, the FNM’s Public Relations machinery and big money over shadowed Christie’s dreams, at least for the moment. And, with this the much needed balance of social harmony through restorative programs with economic advancement through spin-off opportunities has been placed on hold for the benefit of the likes of the Hon. Brent Symonette and his kind, who are speedily taking advantage of the big business already being generated through Christie’s “anchor project” scheme. True to form, the Bay Street Boys or the former UBP’s evolved with time and continue to secure their wealth through entrepreneurial endeavors such as real estate, shipping, trade, construction, and banking, to name a few. The DPM himself is said to have interest in companies including, Bahamas Hot Mix, Bahamas Fast Ferries and Commonwealth Bank – three on a long list.
This is no less than what the Progressive Liberal Party intended for more Bahamians – that even if we have not reached that stage where we own large scale developments and hotels, certainly more of us could enjoy the entrepreneurial benefits like the Bay Street Boys. More of us were to go from merely having jobs, being employees, to owning our own businesses and becoming employers. While it is indeed wonderful news about the Royal Oasis, the time has come for us to want more and to develop the patience and patriotism needed to bring these kinds of dreams into fruition. Because, true progress is indeed, a slow process.
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